Materials & details
Documented materials: from a photograph to a specification
An architectural photograph can suggest a material. A project specification needs evidence that connects a named material to a particular application.
Start with the application
A dome pane, an insulating-glass seal and a cabinet handle are not equivalent kinds of detail. Begin with the job a component performs, then follow the product, maker and phase recorded for that project.
Compare like with like
Dongdaemun and Guangzhou share a documented interior solid surface. Meixihu and Nanjing share a cement used in GRC manufacture. These pairings compare specific applications; they do not establish that the buildings have identical assemblies.
Keep the date attached
The material records distinguish original construction, published fit-out specifications and later conservation. Fallingwater and the Lovness Studio show why replacing a component does not make the replacement an original Wright specification.
Read the limits
This directory is a partial evidence index, not a full material schedule, purchasing recommendation or installation instruction. Unverified dimensions, finishes and product substitutions remain unstated. Every linked project retains the sources for its particular application.
Explore the designHouse in YogaTokyo, Japan
Explore the designEdgar J. Kaufmann Sr. House (Fallingwater)Bear Run, Pennsylvania, United States
Explore the designSolomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, New York, United States
Explore the designShenzhen Science and Technology MuseumGuangming District, Shenzhen, China
Explore the designHarbin Opera HouseHarbin, Heilongjiang, China
Explore the designGalaxy SohoBeijing, China
Explore the designDongdaemun Design PlazaSeoul, South Korea
Explore the designChangsha Meixihu International Culture and Art CentreChangsha, Hunan, China
Explore the designGuangzhou Opera HouseGuangzhou, China
Explore the designNanjing International Youth Cultural CentreNanjing, China
Explore the designJewel Changi AirportSingapore
Explore the designArtscience Museum In SingaporeSingapore
Explore the designA Singapore Apartment That Prioritises Intimacy and Intelligent DesignWYNK Collaborative
Explore the designParkside Villa / Studio B Architecture + InteriorsBoulder, Colorado, United States
Explore the designThis Kuala Lumpur Apartment Embodies the Colourful Spirit of FriendshipKuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Explore the designCasa Piva / B.E ArchitectureMalvern East, Australia
Explore the designDolphin Villa / Idee architectsHanoi, Vietnam
Explore the designA Multigenerational Home on the RiverBrunswick Heads, New South Wales, Australia
Explore the design1616 / arita japan’s New Flagship Opens in AritaArita, Japan
Explore the designAvila Warehouse ConversionPoblenou, Barcelona, Spain
Explore the designDon E. Lovness Studio & CottageStillwater, Minnesota, United States
Explore the designCamperdown WarehouseSydney, Australia
Explore the designCurtain House / Johnsen Schmaling ArchitectsMilwaukee, Wisconsin, United StatesThe research behind the guide
Sources & further reading.
Follow the original project accounts and evidence for the details discussed here.
View 7 source references
Sources & evidence
- Sika — Harbin Opera House project reference
MAD Architects; Harbin; SG-500 CN structural glazing adhesive and IG-25 HM Plus insulating-glass secondary sealant.
- LG Hausys — 2016–17 HI-MACS reference book, printed pages 40–41
Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul; Zaha Hadid; Daemyung ATM; Alpine White interior desks and walls.
- LX Hausys — Guangzhou Opera House
HIMACS Alpine White interior applications; Gooday International fabrication; Guangzhou Opera House.
- Aalborg White — Meixihu GRC project
Changsha; Zaha Hadid Architects; GRC facade panels manufactured using P.W.52.5 white cement.
- Aalborg White — Nanjing project
Zaha Hadid Architects; Nanjing Beilida GRC cladding manufacture; P.W.52.5 white cement.
- Vitro — Fallingwater window restoration
2019 window/door work; replacement Starphire Ultra-Clear glass with Kuraray SentryGlas; earlier Waterwhite no longer made.
- Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy — owner Ted Muntz on Lovness restoration
Modern renovation of the Studio; Sansin SDF finish and replacement floor-sealer system; distinguish later choices from Wright specifications.
What the sources do not establish
- Appearance alone is not used to identify an exact product.
- Current availability and suitability require a fresh check with the manufacturer and project professional.
Research checked 2026-11-02 · Editorial policy & corrections
Keep exploring.
Explore the designHouse in YogaTokyo, JapanExplore the designEdgar J. Kaufmann Sr. House (Fallingwater)Bear Run, Pennsylvania, United StatesExplore the designSolomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, New York, United StatesExplore the designShenzhen Science and Technology MuseumGuangming District, Shenzhen, ChinaExplore the designHarbin Opera HouseHarbin, Heilongjiang, ChinaExplore the designGalaxy SohoBeijing, ChinaExplore the designDongdaemun Design PlazaSeoul, South KoreaExplore the designChangsha Meixihu International Culture and Art CentreChangsha, Hunan, ChinaExplore the designGuangzhou Opera HouseGuangzhou, ChinaExplore the designNanjing International Youth Cultural CentreNanjing, ChinaExplore the designJewel Changi AirportSingaporeExplore the designArtscience Museum In SingaporeSingaporeExplore the designA Singapore Apartment That Prioritises Intimacy and Intelligent DesignWYNK CollaborativeExplore the designParkside Villa / Studio B Architecture + InteriorsBoulder, Colorado, United StatesExplore the designThis Kuala Lumpur Apartment Embodies the Colourful Spirit of FriendshipKuala Lumpur, MalaysiaExplore the designCasa Piva / B.E ArchitectureMalvern East, AustraliaExplore the designDolphin Villa / Idee architectsHanoi, VietnamExplore the designA Multigenerational Home on the RiverBrunswick Heads, New South Wales, AustraliaExplore the design1616 / arita japan’s New Flagship Opens in AritaArita, JapanExplore the designAvila Warehouse ConversionPoblenou, Barcelona, SpainExplore the designDon E. Lovness Studio & CottageStillwater, Minnesota, United StatesExplore the designCamperdown WarehouseSydney, AustraliaExplore the designCurtain House / Johnsen Schmaling ArchitectsMilwaukee, Wisconsin, United States